Police Impose Prohibitory Orders After Late-Night Clash in Bagalkote
Tension gripped parts of Bagalkote district in Karnataka after stones and slippers were allegedly thrown at a Shivaji Jayanti procession on Friday night, leaving several people injured, including a senior police official.
How the Incident Unfolded
The incident occurred around 10 p.m. during the Shivaji Jayanti celebrations. According to police sources, unidentified individuals hurled stones and footwear at the procession, leading to chaos and panic among participants.
Bagalkote Superintendent of Police (SP) Goyal sustained a minor head injury while attempting to control the situation. Several others were also reported to have suffered minor injuries during the disturbance.
Police Response and Arrests
To disperse the crowd and prevent further escalation, police conducted a mild lathi charge. Authorities confirmed that eight suspects have been arrested in connection with the violence.
Law enforcement agencies are reviewing CCTV footage from the area to identify additional individuals involved in the attack. Security has been tightened across sensitive locations in the district.
Prohibitory Orders Imposed
Following the clash, prohibitory orders were imposed in the region and will remain in force until February 24. The move aims to maintain public order and prevent any retaliatory incidents.
Political Reactions
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah described the incident as unfortunate and appealed to citizens to maintain peace and communal harmony. He emphasized the importance of preserving law and order during public celebrations.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders criticized the state government, alleging administrative lapses and policy failures. Political reactions have intensified debate over law enforcement preparedness during large public gatherings.
Similar Procession in Hyderabad Ends Peacefully
On the same day, a Shivaji Jayanti procession held in Hyderabad near a mosque also drew complaints regarding loud music. However, authorities managed the situation effectively, and the event concluded peacefully without arrests or violence.
Maintaining Harmony During Public Events
Authorities across multiple states have reiterated the importance of coordination between organizers and law enforcement agencies during religious and cultural processions to ensure public safety.
Officials have urged citizens to cooperate with security measures and refrain from actions that could disturb communal harmony.
